They say there’s a pot of gold at the end of every rainbow. Here in the Golden Isles, from the red, orange, and purple hues of our sunrises and sunsets to the green sea turtles and brown pelicans, we have a full spectrum of colorful natural features, attractions, and activities to make you certain you have indeed found a treasure. In our "Seaside Spectrum," we'll take you through these colors to highlight some examples.
Our vast array of island eateries is where we can get started with something red. Bennie’s Red Barn on the North end of the island is the oldest, privately owned restaurant on St. Simons Island.
As history tells it, when Bennie Gentile was in the war in Germany he took cover in an old barn, and it was the interior of that barn that served as his inspiration to build this restaurant with his wife Louise. The Barn first opened for dinner on New Year’s Eve 1954, with Bennie (known as Papa) at the helm and local icon Alvin Davis, from Frederica Yacht Club, alongside him. Although Bennie and Alvin have since passed away, Bennie’s family still operates the restaurant, and it has continued to be the spot where locals and visitors have celebrated special family gatherings for nearly 70 years. While Bennie’s has become more casual than its former coat and tie supper club days, the family and staff are still dedicated to fine Southern hospitality and keep many of the old traditions alive. Servers in coat and tie still greet you and recite the evening’s menu tableside. A warm and welcoming place, especially when there’s a roaring fire in the giant fireplace, the Red Barn is where birthdays are celebrated, couples become engaged in front of the fireplace and return each year for anniversaries, and kids visit with Santa on Christmas Eve. You can still find the iconic “Raccoon” boozy after-dinner treat on the menu. Created especially for a group of local businessmen who have met at the same table (also named after them) at the same time every week for many generations, this too is a traditional island classic.
Sal's Neighborhood Pizzeria
But there’s SO much more than just Bennie’s Red Barn when it comes to excellent eating on the island. In fact, that takes us right into the second color on our rainbow.
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Orange juice
Fresh orange carrot and grapefruit juices in glasses isolated on white background, top view
Start your day with some orange juice and a delicious breakfast at Palmer’s Village Café near the pier or grab your OJ and some fresh New York bagels from Sandy Bottom Bagels and take them to the beach to greet the sunrise. Other grab & go options include offerings from Three Little Birds Fly-In, Fly-Out in the village, quick and easy pick-up from the drive-thru at Ironside Café, a charcuterie tray or snack box from Golden Isles Olive Oil, pizza from Sal's Neighborhood Pizzeria, or the fabulous hot bar at Certified Pantry & Provisions.
If it’s traditional Southern cooking you crave, try Barbara Jean’s in the village or Southern Soul Barbeque. For sit-down seafood, there’s the old time island icon The Crab Trab and its neighbor Crabdaddy’s, date night favorite Georgia Sea Grill, or beer and oyster hot spot Catch 228. Fancy Q, Tara Thai, Island Pho, Del Sur Artisan Eats, La Plancha, Blue Bay, and Bubba Garcia’s are just some of the places offering more international fare. It’s easy to find something to please every palate. And you certainly don’t have to limit your orange juice intake to breakfast, we have several wonderful bars who are happy to serve it up in your cocktails at night!
